HP Study Exposes Soaring Job Dissatisfaction Globally, Employees Opt for Well-being Over Pay

A growing number of employees around the globe feel that their relationship with work is impacting their physical health.

In an eye-opening study by HP Inc., the global workforce is sending a clear message: as job dissatisfaction soars, employees are prioritizing well-being and happiness over bigger paychecks, marking a transformative shift in our professional landscape.

The HP Work Relationship Index, recently featured by Entrepreneur, surveyed 15,600 individuals from 12 countries across various industries. The results were startling: only 27% of knowledge workers (those in primarily desk-based roles) feel they have a healthy relationship with their work. This suggests that a vast majority of the global workforce feels dissatisfied and strained in their professional lives.

Over half of the respondents reported struggles with mental health and self-esteem, while 62% felt their negative work relationship affected their physical health, according to Entrepreneur. The study also revealed that a staggering 83% of these workers would accept a lower salary if it meant greater job satisfaction.

This data sheds light on major changes in employee values and priorities around the globe. The traditional employment model, which primarily emphasized financial compensation, is being challenged by a multi-generational workforce that values mental and physical well-being, work-life balance, and job satisfaction over slight monetary gains. Such a trend is not fleeting; it’s a reflection of evolving societal values and a deeper understanding of a holistic work-life balance.